Do braces actually help bad elbows? (climbers/tennis elbow)

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Messages 1 - 37 of total 37 in this topic
brunchman

climber
Topic Author's Original Post - Aug 4, 2015 - 01:21am PT
The one shown in the video appears to be just a tensioned piece of fabric, how can this possibly serve to lessen an impact on a damaged tendon?

Many thanks
brunchman

Seen towards the end of the video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k-qO3WxSbko
xtrmecat

Big Wall climber
Kalispell, Montanagonia
Aug 4, 2015 - 05:33am PT
Yes, this is the route I went both times I had tennis elbow. Both were from climbing.
Recovery is slow, but way slower without the band. The band helps keep the muscle /tendon running in the proper place. I still climbed with it for a while after symptoms subsided the second time around to insure that it didn't recur. Just keep it slightly looser if you do this also.

Burly Bob
donini

Trad climber
Ouray, Colorado
Aug 4, 2015 - 07:07am PT
My wife had tennis elbow last year and hardly climbed at all. She started using Kinesia Tape and it cleared up completely. She turned 60 this year and is climbing the best I have seen her climb.
overwatch

climber
Aug 4, 2015 - 07:32am PT
How is she taping, Mr. Donini, sir, if you don't mind me asking? just wrapping around like a sleeve or is she using the tape along the arm?
donini

Trad climber
Ouray, Colorado
Aug 4, 2015 - 07:45am PT
the principle behind KT tape is to support the injured component while tenting the skin to allow the body's natural anti-inflammatory processes to be encouraged into the site. I followed the video on YouTube from KT tape, replaced it every few days as it peeled off and had immediate small relief in pain and over a period of 2-3 months the chronic ache completely resolved. The original injury was late Dec but I didn't hear about the tape until July.By October I was climbing again. Angela
Killer K

Boulder climber
Sacramento, CA
Aug 4, 2015 - 08:27am PT
I'd say that you'd get as much help from one of those little magnetic bracelets.

Try pronators (with a 3lb sledge) and reverse wrist curls with 15-20 dumbell 20-25 reps twice a day for two weeks. Lay off crimps and overhangs. The keep up the exercises while returning to crimps and overhangs. Remember to keep elbows close to the body when climbing if possible.
Kalimon

Social climber
Ridgway, CO
Aug 4, 2015 - 08:32am PT
As a carpenter, I have had my share of elbow tendonitis and have used a neoprene elbow brace to enhance the healing process. They do work.
overwatch

climber
Aug 4, 2015 - 08:42am PT
Thank you, ma'am for the response.

I use a bucket filled with tapioca pearls and work various vectors for the forearm. The 3lb sledge is a good idea though for a more portable instrument. When I had tendonitis type issues I was climbing all the time and working as a rigger. Now I'm not climbing as much or working as a rigger that often. Amazing how that helped.
I definitely had some overuse going.

anyone tried the Tommy copper sleeves? I know it's probably all in my head but the mind makes anything possible. I use them for my elbows and knees.
Fat Dad

Trad climber
Los Angeles, CA
Aug 4, 2015 - 09:41am PT
Taping and braces helped with my golfer's elbow, which got to be pretty chronic. I've read that there's only anecdoctal evidence that bracing helps, but it seemed to work for me when not much else did.

I've got a buddy who has a Ph.d in solid state physics who says that copper bands are complete snake oil. I'm not even sure how they can sell those without getting sued for fraud.
phylp

Trad climber
Upland, CA
Aug 4, 2015 - 09:44am PT
I just had my first ever bout of tennis elbow, got from a too long day of gardening/sawing.
For two months I tried rest and ice and it seemed to just get worse. Couldn't hold my toothbrush with my right hand, couldn't use a nail clipper.

Then I finally started PT. Combination of electrostimulation, doing the prescribed exercises and using the compression brace right below the elbow when I was using the right arm. Improvement was rapid, after 6 weeks I'm back to 90%. My PT thought the brace was important to keep the stress off the injured/inflamed area.
snowhazed

Trad climber
Oaksterdam, CA
Aug 4, 2015 - 11:10am PT
ArmAid

Eliminated my elbow tendonosis in a month after dealing with it for a year
Splater

climber
Grey Matter
Aug 4, 2015 - 12:10pm PT
The theory I have heard with a band is to use one that has a pad made of foam or air bladder. The pad loads the tendon in a different spot about 1.5 inches from the damaged epicondyle attachment. Loading a different part of the tendon is supposed to reduce damaging loads on the injured section.

Personally I would say stretching and moderate eccentric dumbbell or flexbar type exercises are more helpful.

http://www.mountainproject.com/v/dave-macleod-new-book-on-injuries-make-or-break/110099768

armaid study
http://classic.backbenimble.com/new/pages/armaid/study.htm
I don't know if this was a full scientific study since I didn't find more references or citations to it.

rubber flexbar
http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/08/25/phys-ed-an-easy-fix-for-tennis-elbow/comment-page-5/?_r=0
Killer K

Boulder climber
Sacramento, CA
Aug 4, 2015 - 12:16pm PT
http://www.drjuliansaunders.com/resources/feature_articles/dodgy_elbows/
darkmagus

Mountain climber
San Diego, CA
Aug 4, 2015 - 12:42pm PT
^^^ dude knows what's up

They certainly can help, but be sure to address the underlying cause as the brace may only provide relief but not do anything to correct the actual problem.
Ken M

Mountain climber
Los Angeles, Ca
Aug 4, 2015 - 12:57pm PT
I've treated several hundred people with tennis elbow (from many causes), and there is no doubt in my mind that braces help.

Here is a study that supports that it works (but no better than lasers!)
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25614134

The biggest reason for failure is that people place it wrong, at the elbow itself, instead of on the forearm.

How does a brace work? I have always thought (without scientific evidence), that it altered the fulcrum of force being applied, and moved it forward of the injured spot (the epicondyle).

There is evidence for other mechanisms:

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23225823

TGT

Social climber
So Cal
Aug 4, 2015 - 01:00pm PT
For quite a few years I used a small wet suit rubber knee brace on the bad elbow. (the solid ones, not the one with the doughnut. They look like someone just cut a section out of a wet suit)

it worked better than a band or tape since it provided enough pressure in the correct place on the forearm, but spread the pressure over a wider area. You can't get it too tight and cause the hand to pump out from lack of circulation. It also keeps it warm, probably the best benefit. The purpose built elbow braces didn't seem to do anything and the forearm strap was always too tight or not tight enough to be effective.

Long term cure was from changing from turning a screwdriver all day to sitting at a puter along with transverse massage of the tendon (have an ortho or PT show you how), and the dumbbell exercises to balance out the muscle groups. Long term probably the most important.

vlani

Trad climber
mountain view, ca
Aug 4, 2015 - 01:47pm PT
There are several simple exercises that will let you work tennis/golfer elbow away in reasonable time - from weeks to months, depending on your age and severity of the problem. Lots of them on youtube. They all involve arm twisting motion under load of some sort. The best thing about it - you need to keep climbing to speed up the recovery.

Braces help as much as band aid or aspiring. To get a real fix you need to develop-strengthen your tendon tissue, through proper training/exercise.

The simplest exercise is:
with two heavy dumbbells (15-30 pounds, depending on your size/strength) - hands straight down, spin dumbbells slowly both ways, about 20 times per set, 3-4 sets. Warm up well before doing it. Select dumbbell weight so 20 spins per set will be close to your limit. Do it every day.
Bruce Morris

Social climber
Belmont, California
Aug 4, 2015 - 02:36pm PT
Placebo. You believe in the efficacy of the band or brace and the mind does the healing. Very much like a fetish object.
Gnome Ofthe Diabase

climber
Out Of Bed
Aug 4, 2015 - 06:02pm PT
YES, Much More than a placebo, adding extra support, limiting 'bad motion' and keeping the 'flexors', from moving.that movement, which causes scar tissue build up under and around the structures stopping the tendons from lying in the 'grooves.
The Jerry Moffit story.


Mr & Mrs don ini said it:
My wife had tennis elbow last year and hardly climbed at all. She started using Kinesia Tape and it cleared up completely. She turned 60 this year and is climbing the best I have seen her climb.
and
the principle behind KT tape is to support the injured component while tenting the skin to allow the body's natural anti-inflammatory processes to be encouraged into the site. I followed the video on YouTube from KT tape, replaced it every few days as it peeled off and had immediate small relief in pain and over a period of 2-3 months the chronic ache completely resolved. The original injury was late Dec but I didn't hear about the tape until July.By October I was climbing again. Angela
Prod

Trad climber
Aug 4, 2015 - 07:52pm PT
Arm Aid.

Had bad medial tendinitis (golfers elbow) for 3 years. Tried PT, acupuncture, dry needling, bone broth for connective tissue, braces, bands, massages, etc.

Arm Aid cleared me up in about 2 months.

Prod.
Jon Clark

climber
philadelphia
Aug 5, 2015 - 02:58am PT
YES, Much More than a placebo, adding extra support, limiting 'bad motion' and keeping the 'flexors', from moving.that movement, which causes scar tissue build up under and around the structures stopping the tendons from lying in the 'grooves.
The Jerry Moffit story.

Moffat had nerve compression in both elbows, not a tendon issue. Movement on its own doesn't cause scar tissue to build up, trauma does.
phylp

Trad climber
Upland, CA
Aug 5, 2015 - 06:43am PT
How does a brace work? I have always thought (without scientific evidence), that it altered the fulcrum of force being applied, and moved it forward of the injured spot (the epicondyle).

Ken M this is essentially what my PT said. The idea is it's just giving the injured area a chance to calm down and heal while you still can go about your daily life.
Wade Icey

Trad climber
www.alohashirtrescue.com
Aug 5, 2015 - 07:23am PT
they work for pain relief. they do nothing corrective and may mask further damage. wore one for a solid year before surgery.
MisterE

Gym climber
Being In Sierra Happy Of Place
Aug 5, 2015 - 07:24am PT
I was totally skeptical about a "Velcro wrap with an air bubble"
working on my tennis elbow - damn if it didn't work like a charm. I also used cross-tendon massage with topical arnica as well as the "X30" internal homeopathic tablets.
It cleared up in about 6 weeks.
dt

Mountain climber
Mammoth Lakes
Aug 5, 2015 - 09:16am PT
Trigger point therapy. Only a few bucks compared to everything and no drugs, repeated visits, or braces to buy. I hate posting but this really cured me. After 3 years of trying everything I heard a guy who fixed a 20 year case of bad elbows overnight. 1 hour of brutal trigger point therapy (deep massage) and I was cured. I tried prp, pt, massage, that forearm machine in climbing magazine, etc.. I had just got an MRI and was about to have surgery. Person who did it told me he wasn't doing it anymore. I begged him. He agreed to finish his career with me as he knew he would cure me, and he did. He also showed me how to do it myself and its easy to keep it healthy now.
wayne w

Trad climber
the nw
Aug 5, 2015 - 11:40am PT
Another option for Trigger Point Therapy is the 'Trigger Point Therapy Workbook; Your self guide for pain relief.' 2nd edition. The author is Claire Davies

Used copies are available online for about 6 bucks.
darkmagus

Mountain climber
San Diego, CA
Aug 5, 2015 - 12:53pm PT
I love it, at least two doctors chime in with good info, and we still have Bruce Morris saying that dumb sh#t.

Hey, at least his Castle Rock bouldering guide was decent.

Please see a physician of your choosing and don't rely on this internet consult.
Fat Dad

Trad climber
Los Angeles, CA
Aug 5, 2015 - 08:27pm PT
Looked up "Dr." Julian. Some interesting stuff, but doesn't appear to be a doctor, at least not an MD. Interesting that after this thread popped up, my golfer's elbow is flaring up, two weeks before my Needles trip.
wayne w

Trad climber
the nw
Aug 5, 2015 - 10:21pm PT
Get the Triggerpoint Therapy book and a Mueller armband, (they are the best that I have found, and I have used one for many years), Fat Dad, and have a great time in the Needles!
darkmagus

Mountain climber
San Diego, CA
Aug 6, 2015 - 07:54am PT
Hey Fat Dad, have a little respect to balance out that ignorance (which was expressed with those "air quotes".)

Some doctors aren't MDs.

He's an Osteopath. Is it his fault you don't know anything?
darkmagus

Mountain climber
San Diego, CA
Aug 6, 2015 - 08:07am PT
HURR HURR HURR !
darkmagus

Mountain climber
San Diego, CA
Aug 6, 2015 - 08:10am PT
Dude, you clearly never heard the word before and just now googled it.

They work in hospitals and private practice settings in the U.S.

There are numerous colleges of osteopathy here and abroad.

You've probably been treated by one before and never even knew it, because they're also doctors and frequently practice in a manner indistinguishable from medical doctors.

#facts
Fat Dad

Trad climber
Los Angeles, CA
Aug 6, 2015 - 10:41am PT
Hey Fat Dad, have a little respect to balance out that ignorance (which was expressed with those "air quotes".)

Some doctors aren't MDs.

He's an Osteopath. Is it his fault you don't know anything?
Well, if you're looking to make an intelligent point, that response is not a strong way to do it.

If you want to go ahead and put your faith in a "Dr." with a newfangled accredidation, be my guest. However, don't be so quick to insult those who may express some skepticism. Dr. Julian may be totally great, but putting "Dr." in front of his name does not automatically make him so. If that makes me ignorant, fine. I'll be ignorant and avoid the snake oil.
Ken M

Mountain climber
Los Angeles, Ca
Aug 6, 2015 - 10:42am PT
Many, many years ago, there was an issue with Osteopath (DO) training. That issue is now gone, and they are considered the absolute equivalent of MD's such as myself.

About 15 years ago, the Chief of Emergency Medicine at UCLA was a DO.

In fact, in Ca 30 years ago, a law was passed that allowed DO's to change their degree designation to "MD", and many did, due to the prejudice of the time.

But today, there is no real difference, other than that DO's get more training in musculo-skeletal diseases and treatments. I'd go to one without hesitation----in fact, my physician is a DO.
Dnnsch

Sport climber
Brisbane
Nov 1, 2015 - 01:03am PT
Hi everyone,
thought I'd just weigh in although my solution is probably more suited for less severe cases.
I used to have bad elbows after climbing quite regularly until I found this product called frog fingers on ebay. I use it to warm up before climbing and in case of any pain in the elbows. It works your flexor muscles, so basically adds some resistance to opening your hand and stretching your fingers. Haven't had any problems anymore since.
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/221926708868?var=&ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1555.l2649
dindolino32

climber
san francisco
Nov 1, 2015 - 07:54pm PT
The idea is that the insertion of the tendon is the irritated area. One can say it is much like a funkness device. The cable shockloads the insertion point and creates high forces. Imagine something pulling on the cable to create more of a dynamic pull. That is what the braces do by compressing distal to the insertion point.
Mule Skinner

Social climber
Bishop
Nov 1, 2015 - 08:50pm PT
Thera-Bar
Fix it
Messages 1 - 37 of total 37 in this topic
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